Method and apparatus for assisting in the installation of a facsimile machine

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for detecting that a facsimile machine is being installed with stored information within the machine being used to aid the installer during installation and/or operation using either image and text information or verbal information stored in the memory of the facsimile machine.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to facsimile machines and, moreparticularly, to facsimile apparatus which are capable of assisting inits initial installation and aid the user during operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, most facsimile equipment come with a manual that hasinstructions for installation and setup of the machine. Purchasers thatare unfamiliar with fax machines often find the instructions difficultand unwieldly and many read instructions only as a last resort.

Features offered in facsimile machines have steadily grown incomplexity. Delayed sending, broadcast sending, calling other machinesto request transmission and other enhanced options are now common. Asthe number and complexity of these enhancements increase, it becomesmore difficult for a user to take advantage of them. Current instructionmanuals require many pages to describe selecting and customizing theenhanced features of these machines.

As facsimile machines having even more advanced features and higherimaging quality emerge, one can clearly expect the initial installationand programming steps to become more complex.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, a preferred embodiment, comprises a storedprogram in a facsimile apparatus that provides information to assist aninstaller. A real time clock is used to provide elapsed timeinformation. The elapsed time information is compared with a previouslystored time period to determine if the elapsed time information isgreater than the stored time period in which case a signal is generated.A memory holding the stored installation instruction in the form ofimages and text is addressed in response to the generated signal. Thestored installation instructions are directed to the printer to providea hardcopy of the installation instructions.

In another embodiment, the instructions are stored in the form of verbalinstructions in a voice ROM (Read Only Memory) and in response to thesignal from the comparing means, the stored instructions are directed toa telephone handset so as to communicate the verbal instructions to theinstaller.

In other embodiments, additional "help" information is stored in memoryand can provide further information to either the installer or theoperator by requesting it via a keyboard.

Accordingly, a facsimile machine using this invention would include areal time clock, a small amount of read/write non-volatile memory and anon-volatile read only memory. It is necessary that the clock operate atall times (i.e. battery powered). During manufacture and testing, thereal time clock would be set to the current time and date. In addition,the current date would be stored in the read/write non-volatile memory,requiring perhaps 6 bytes. After test, the machine would be powered off,shipped and possibly stored in distribution channels and inventory.During this time period, the clock would continue to operate, and thedata stored in the non-volatile memory would be maintained.

Subsequently, each time the machine is powered up, the current time anddate from the real time clock would be compared to the data stored inthe read/write non-volatile memory. Comparison would reveal the elapsedtime from the last time the machine was turned on and the currentoperation of the machine. If the elapsed time is less than some fixedtime period (i.e. 1 week), the new time would be stored in theread/write non-volatile memory and the normal operation of the machinewould proceed. During normal operation of the machine, the data storedin the non-volatile memory would be updated every 24 hours.

When the elapsed time exceeds the limit, it would be assumed that (forexample) the machine has been moved to, or installed in a new location.In response to the assumption, an installation sequence would begin byprinting an introduction sheet indicating the model, serial number andfeatures of the machine, and the steps that the installer must performbefore proceeding. A series of steps could be outlined either on thedisplay or on a printout requesting the user to enter the necessaryinformation before normal operation could continue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile machine according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the display panel and keypad used by the operator;

FIG. 3 illustrates a sequence of steps performed during final assemblyof the inventive apparatus;

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate a flowchart for the controlling software;

FIG. 5 shows a sample help page output;

FIG. 6 shows a sample of a model number and serial number output page;

FIG. 7 shows a sample help sheet instructing the installer how to setthe current local time;

FIG. 8 shows a sample help sheet instructing the installer how to setthe local phone number; and

FIG. 9 shows a sample help sheet instructing the installer how toconnect the machine to the phone line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the inventive system 10. A centralprocessing unit 12 controls all functions of the machine. The publicswitched telephone network (PSTN) is connected to the machine via thesignal pair 1. A double pole double throw (DPDT) relay 2 is connected asshown, with the common terminals of this relay are connected to dataaccess arrangement (DAA) 16 and to an external phone (not shown) via thewire pair 3. Relay 2 has two positions; "normal", and "audio help", aposition is selected by the audio help select signal on line 7 from CPU12.

Relay 2 is shown in the "audio help" position. This position connects DCvoltage source 6 thru current limiting resistor 5 and AC blockinginductor 4 to the signal pair 3. When relay 2 is in the "audio help"position, voltage source 6 supplies DC power to the external phone. Whenrelay 2 is in the "normal" position signal pair 1 from the PSTN isconnected via signal pair 3 to the external phone and to data accessarrangement (DAA) 16.

Modem 18 has the capability to interface over the PSTN with otherfacsimile machines using standard and well known protocols. Also, modem18 can detect and generate dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signalsused for phone number dialing. Modem 18 can also generate audio signalsfrom digitized speech data stored in read only memory 27.

Volatile read/write memory 20 is provided for normal softwarecalculations, and storage of received images. A battery 22 is providedto maintain accurate data in static random access memory 24 (SRAM). Areal time clock 26 (RTC) also operates from the battery power andprovides continuous time information. Battery 22 provides for reliableoperation of the SRAM 24 and the RTC 26 even while power to the CPU 12and other devices is not present. The real time clock 26 is programmedin a 24 hour format (i.e. the hour variable increments from 0 to 23). Itshould be noted that the SRAM 24 could be replaced by other forms ofnon-volatile memory devices, such as: EEPROM, harddisk, or ferroelectricmemory.

A read only memory 28 (ROM) contains operating software, and a secondROM 30 contains font data used in printing hardcopy output page 36containing installation information using the output printer 34. Outputprinter 34 produces output page 36 which may also comprise receivedimage data, or other information. Input scanner 32 is provided forreading documents into the facsimile machine for transmission. User oroperator interface with this machine is provided via a display 38 and akeypad 40.

FIG. 2 depicts the display 38 and keypad 40 used for user interfacing.The current month is displayed at location 50, the current day at 54,current hour at 56, and the current minute at location 58. A message islocated at position 60, as illustrated by the example message "LOADPAPER". Ten numeric keys 71 are present on the keypad 40 for enteringphone numbers, etc. Also, there are 5 function keys 81-85. A send button86 completes the buttons on the keypad.

FIG. 3 depicts a series of steps performed along with other finaltesting steps during manufacture of this machine. After all othernecessary testing steps are complete, this processes is begun at block100 which occurs with the machine operating normally; final testcomplete. A first operation at block 102 consists of entering thecurrent time and date into RTC 26 via the keypad 40 and display 38. Thisis accomplished by hitting key 81 labeled "SET TIME". CPU 12 responds bywriting the message "ENTER DATA" on display 38 at location 60. Themanufacturer now enters the year, month, date, hour, and minute usingthe numeric keys 70-79. As each of the ten digits are entered, CPU 12verifies, displays, and programs them into the real time clock (RTC) 26.After ten digits are entered, the set time function is complete and CPU12 writes the message "READY" on display 38 at location 60.

Block 104 in FIG. 3 illustrates the next step in the manufacturingprocess. The year, month, and date programmed into RTC 26 is read fromRTC 26 and stored into battery backed up SRAM 24 taking up six bytes ofmemory. In the next step block 106, a "warranty date" is set to"00:00:00" and stored in the SRAM 24. Finally, in block 108 the machineis turned off, packaged and shipped. After this step, the RTC 26continues to keep the correct time.

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate in a flowchart the software sequence followed fromthe time the machine is turned on.

Block 110 in FIG. 4A represents initial power up steps well known in theart including self tests and setting feature selections to defaults.Block 112 reads the current year designated "Y", the current month "M"and the current day "D" from the real time clock (RTC) 26. Next, block114 checks to see if the "warranty date" is correctly stored in SRAM 26.If this variable is equal to "00:00:00" the function in block 116 isperformed. Block 116 replaces the zero value of "warranty date" with thecurrent date "Y:M:D" and stores this result in SRAM 24. This sequence ofupdating the "warranty date" will only occur once in the lifetime ofthis machine. Block 118 reads the "factory date" designated "y:m:d" fromthe SRAM 24. These are the values stored during the operations of FIG.3.

In block 120 a calculation of the difference in days between "Y:M:D" and"y:m:d" is performed. This calculation is well known in the art. Theresult is "DELTA" which has units of days. Block 122 performs acomparison of "DELTA" to an arbitrary predefined limit (taken here to be7 days).

FIGS. 4B and 4D detail the two possible sequences started in FIG. 4B. If"DELTA" is not greater than 7 days, block 130 is next and represents anynormal facsimile machine operation including receiving and transmittingdocuments. In block 132, a check is made to see if the user has hit the"HELP" key 84 in FIG. 2. If the help key is struck execution proceeds atblock 144 to be described later. If the "HELP" key is not struck thecurrent hour and minute is read from the RTC 26 in block 134. Block 136compares the current time to one minute past midnight. At any timeduring the day other than one minute past midnight, the control sequencereturns to block 130 and performs normal facsimile machine operations.At one minute past midnight, the operations in blocks 138 thru 142 arecarried out. Block 138 reads the new year, month and date from RTC 26.Block 140 replaces the factory date "y:m:d" with the current date"y:m:d", and block 142 stores the factory date in the SRAM 24.

Block 144 corresponds to the action taken when the user requests helpvia the help button. One response is to print an output page of helpdata explaining the proper use of this machine, and how to selectadditional features. This output page would be stored in program ROM 28in FIG. 1. A character generator algorithm would use this text data,along with font data stored in font ROM 30 in FIG. 1 to generate theoutput image data. Character generation is well known in the prior artand any of several methods could be used here. It should be understoodthat this help function could be expanded to include more pages, and tobe programmed by a user. FIG. 5 depicts a possible help page, of coursethe specific information would vary with the type of machine, and couldbe printed in different languages.

An additional help function would be implemented as shown in Blocks145-148. First, in block 145 the "audio help select" signal 7 isactivated. This connects the external phone to modem 18 thru signal pair3 and data access arrangement 16. Actions taken in block 146 retrieve anappropriate digitized help message from voice ROM 27 into volatileread/write memory 20. Block 147 depicts the playback of this messagethru the digital to analog converter in modem 18. This is also wellknown in the art. After the playback of the message is complete "audiohelp select" signal 7 is deactivated to return DPDT relay 2 to the"normal" position.

While relay 2 is in the "normal" position, an operator could lift theexternal phone off the hook. This condition can be detected by dataaccess arrangement 16. If the "off hook" condition persists for morethan some predetermined period of time with no dialing activity, the"audio help" mode would begin automatically.

Branch "D" in FIG. 4D represents the control sequence executed when theelapsed time is greater than the arbitrary predetermined time as, forexample, when an installation is detected as possibly being required.This path is taken when the machine has been turned off for more thanthe arbitrarily selected 7 day period in block 122. The first step ofthe installation procedure is executed in block 150 by displaying a"LOAD PAPER" message on the display 38 at location 60. Block 152 waitsfor the user to respond by loading paper into the machine. Thecombination of blocks 150 and 152 could also prompt the user to installother consumables necessary for printing (i.e. toner, etc.). Next, inblock 154, a page is output using the above mentioned charactergenerator algorithm. This page would contain useful information such asthe warranty date for the machine, a serial number, etc. FIG. 6illustrates one possible format for this page. This page would contain aprompt to the user allowing them to request or deny additionalassistance with the installation procedure. Block 156 would wait for theuser to strike either the "Y" key 82 (FIG. 2) or the "N" key on keypad40. If the user hit the "N" key 83 (FIG. 2), operation would proceed tothe normal operation block 130.

If the user accepted additional installation assistance by hitting the"Y" key 82 (FIG. 2) in block 156, processing would proceed by printinganother output page according to block 158. This page might explain thatthe user needs to correct the current time setting to reflect local timezone differences and prompt the user on the necessary steps. FIG. 7illustrates some possible formats for this sheet. Block 160 would acceptthese new values from the numeric keys 71 on keypad 40, verify thesevalues, and set the current time in RTC 26 accordingly.

An additional step shown in block 170 would be to print another outputpage (illustrated in FIG. 8). This page would prompt the user to enterthe local phone number to be used in identifying this machine tocalling, or called machines. Block 172 would again accept input from theuser via the numeric keys 71 on keypad 40. These values would then bestored in SRAM 24 to be used for normal facsimile operations.

Block 174 would print a final output page describing the connection ofthe phone line to the machine. FIG. 9 illustrates one possible formatfor this page.

It is understood that more pages, and more prompts for action could beincorporated to setup additional features of this machine.

ADVANTAGES AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

This invention will aid the installer with the initial installation andthe operator with the operation of facsimile machines as the machineincludes advanced features and higher imaging quality. The use of onboard installation instructions and specific "help" features make iteasier for both the installer and operator. Lost, damaged or misplacedinstruction manuals will no longer present problems associated withmachine use. Updated features can be provided at the time of manufacturewithout changing or obsoleting previously printed manuals.

What is claimed is:
 1. A facsimile apparatus capable of providinginformation to assist an installer, said facsimile apparatuscomprising:a) printing means for printing image and text informationincluding installation instructions; b) clock means for providingelapsed time information indicating a length of time since the facsimileapparatus was last turned off; c) memory means for storing theinstallation instruction in the form of images and text; d) comparingmeans for comparing the elapsed time information received from saidclock means with a previously stored time period, and for generating afirst signal when the elapsed time is grater than said previously storedtime period indicating that the facsimile apparatus may requireinstalling; e) addressing means for addressing said memory means toaccess said installation instruction responsive to said first signalreceived from said comparing means; f) directing means for directing theinstallation instructions addressed by said addressing means to saidprinting means for printing a hard copy of the installation instructionsfor use by the installer; and g) said clock means, memory means,comparing means, addressing means, and directing means all being withina signal facsimile apparatus.
 2. A facsimile apparatus as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the apparatus further includes a keyboard and saidmemory means further includes stored help means for providing additionalinformation to the installer when requested via said keyboard.
 3. Thefacsimile apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said memory meansfurther includes a voice ROM for storing voice installation instructionsto assist the installer audibly.
 4. The facsimile apparatus as set forthin claim 3 wherein said apparatus further includes a telephone handsetfor providing verbal communications using said voice installationinstructions stored in said voice ROM.
 5. The facsimile apparatus as setforth in claim 2 wherein said memory means comprises a program ROM. 6.The facsimile apparats as set forth in claim 5 wherein the apparatusfurther includes a keyboard and said memory means further include storedhelp means for providing additional information to the installer whenrequested via said keyboard.
 7. A facsimile apparatus capable ofproviding information to assist an installer in the installation of saidfacsimile apparatus, said facsimile apparatus comprising:a) a telephonehandset; b) memory means for storing installation instruction includingverbal instructions; c) clock means for providing elapsed timeinformation indicating a length of time since the facsimile apparatuswas last turned off; d) comparing means for comparing the elapsed timeinformation received from said clock means with a previously stored timeperiod, and for generating a first signal when the elapsed time isgreater than said previously stored time period indicating that thefacsimile apparatus may require installing; e) addressing means foraddressing said memory means to access said installation instructionsresponsive to said first signal; f) directing means for directing theinstallation instructions addressed by said addressing means to saidtelephone and set to communicate the verbal instructions to saidinstaller; and g) said clock means, memory means, comparing means,addressing means, and directing means all being within a signalfacsimile apparatus.
 8. The facsimile apparatus as set forth in claim 7wherein said memory means further includes image/text means for storingimage and text information associated with the installationinstructions.
 9. The facsimile apparatus as set forth in claim 8 whereinsaid apparatus further includes printing means for printing said imageand text information sent to it by said directing means from said memorymeans.
 10. The facsimile apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein saidmemory means comprises a voice ROM and said image/text means comprises aprogram ROM.
 11. A facsimile apparatus, comprising:a) clock means fordetermining a time period since the facsimile apparatus has been lasturned off; b) comparing means for comparing said time period receivedfrom said clock means to a predetermined time period, and for providingpredetermined installation instructions when said time period is greaterthan said predetermined time period, assisting in installation of thefacsimile apparatus; and c) said clock means and said comparing meansbeing within a single facsimile apparatus.
 12. A facsimile apparatus asset forth in claim 11,wherein said predetermined time period includesfirst and second predetermined time periods, wherein said predeterminedinstallation instructions include first and second predeterminedinstallation instructions corresponding to said first and secondpredetermined time periods, respectively, and wherein said comparingmeans provides said first predetermined installation instruction whensaid time period is greater than said first predetermined time period,and provides said second predetermined installation instruction whensaid time period is greater than said second predetermined time period.